BigWill:
I couldn't tell you if multi-party governments are better in any way, I just like the idea. I could see how the legislative process would take longer but it all depends on the way the legislative process works there... dunno.

Also, from what I understand, in Australia it is mandatory to vote -- that is defenatly a good idea, IMHO.

Why is mandatory voting a good idea? You can't enforce a mandatory research into the canidate period, so what keeps people from just going in and placing uninformed votes. You would just get that from the people that didn't want to vote. Is that any better then them not voting at all?

i will go ahead and call it.. even with some lawyer jumbling in ohio for the next few days by the kerry campaign, BUSH will prevail. i had already come to the conclusion that whoever pulled ohio, and either florida or wisconsin, would win. looks like bush has that well in hand. i finally threw in the towel around 12:30 last night, when most networks had bush at 269 electorial votes. BTW- the beer was EXTRA cold last night. we had a cold front move in and the temps were in the upper 30's with winds at 10-15 mph. i just left the beer on the back porch, no need for a fridge. and yes, it is official, hell is currently freezing over!!

Zarak: No-one is forced to actually vote for anyone, they can simply submit an empty ballot. The reason I think that manditory voting is better is that I think that if people are forced to vote anyways some of the people that would not have voted will decide to do at least some research into who they want to vote for. Certainly there are going to be some people who vote uninformed, but do you think that everyone who votes in The US or Canada is always informed?

do you think that everyone who votes in The US or Canada is always informed?

no, probably not, but at least they are compelled.. compelled enought to get up, and make time in their day to go vote because they want to. i think if it is made mandatory, voting will become like having to eat your peas, or clean your room. the concept of 'forcing' people to do something that they either dont want, or dont care to, will NEVER work in the US. if there is one thing i know, its that americans dont like being told that they HAVE to do something. its an interesting idea, but wont work at all.

but, what i did find interesting, is that i saw some deal that an effort is being made to make election day, a national holiday.. that way, you are off the whole day, and have NO excuse as to why you cant get to the polls and vote. i would love the paid free day off work, but i think it is a sad state of affairs that they feel the need to give us the day off, so our lazy a$$e$ will hopefully get off the couch and go do something that might change the course of history. americas lack of interest in the direction of its own government is baffling to me.. kinda sad actually!!

I agree bigjohn. President Bush has Ohio in the bag. It's statistically impossible for Kerry to win at this point. He supposed to make his concession speech soon (if he hasn't already). This time, Bush won completely legitimately and unquestionably. The people have spoken.

... ...sigh.... ...

Let's make the best of the next 4 years.

_________________________
"I wish I had documented more…" said nobody on their death bed, ever.

i was discussing this with my buddy last night. hows this for a scary thought.

with kerry losing, that clears the way for hillary to run in 08. and i think she will. in fact, i will go so far as to say she will be the favorite.. then, we already know the republican party is NOT going to choose cheney, so then who? can you say, rudy guillani..... america loves this guy, and he will have the ability to swing usual democratic voting NY, to republican. plus, throw in the rest of new england, and a few other usual democratic strong holds, and its a done deal.

i dont know enought about rudy to get real critical, but i think he lacks the experince. being mayor of NY for 12 years, does not a president make. then again, being the wife a president doesnt qualify you either. plus, i still dont think the US as a whole, is ready to vote in a women president.

Absolutely goes both ways-I'm hearing rumors that both Ashcroft and Rumsfeld may be on their way out. Depending on cabinet appointments the administration could be a lot more palatable. Who will replace the Chief Justice? That's a thorny issue for me. This President is way too cozy with the religious right for my comfort.